Syracuse University Newhouse dean dies after battle with cancer

Updated Apr 3, 2019; Posted Apr 2, 2019

Lorraine Branham, Dean at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, speaks during a luncheon in Goldstein Auditorium Monday, Sept. 29, 2014, for the dedication of renovations to Newhouse School 2. Michelle Gabel | mgabel@syracuse.com

Syracuse University communications school dean Lorraine Branham died this morning after a battle with cancer. She was 66.

Branham, a Philadelphia native, took over as dean of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in 2008. She previously worked as dean of the journalism school at University of Texas at Austin.

“Dean Branham was many things, most importantly a pillar in the Syracuse University community and beyond, an icon in the media industry, an academic innovator, a mentor, an educator, an inspiration and a friend,” SU Chancellor Kent Syverud said in a statement to the campus community Tuesday afternoon.

Branham was chosen from a pool of 300 nominations to become head of one of the highest-ranking communications schools in the country, officials said at the time. She replaced David Rubin, who served as dean for 18 years.

Donald Newhouse, whose father was the benefactor behind the Newhouse school, expressed his gratitude for Branham’s leadership. Newhouse is the president of Advance Publications, which owns syracuse.com | The Post-Standard.

“My father established the school which bears his name; and with the support of the family, I have had the thrill of seeing it mature into the top ranks of Schools of Public Communications under David [Rubin]’s and [Branham’s] leadership. I am forever grateful for what [she] accomplished.”

As dean, Branham oversaw an $18 million fundraising campaign to renovate the Newhouse II building and create the Newhouse Studio and Innovation Center featuring Dick Clark Studios, the Alan Gerry Center for Media Innovation and the Diane and Bob Miron Digital News Center -- which can be seen through the glass windows from Waverly Avenue.

Branham also oversaw development of the student-produced news website The NewsHouse and created a sports communication emphasis for students to add to their majors.

She became a full-time journalism professor in 2002 after a 25-year career as a newspaper editor, editorial writer and reporter. Branham’s career included stints at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Tallahassee Democrat, Baltimore Sun and Philadelphia Inquirer.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Temple University.

Syverud said the university would organize gatherings for students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to mourn together. He said more details would be forthcoming. He also announced counseling services available for students, faculty and staff in grieving.